VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow Town, hosts artwork from local, national and international artists in five different gallery spaces. Admission is free of charge to all the gallery spaces. There are also a lot of activities to enjoy with various workshops and classes taking place in the building as part of the Learning and Engagement Programme throughout the year.
VISUAL has a theatre which hosts a varied programme of music, comedy, drama, film and dance. The George Bernard Shaw Theatre can seat 335 people, and a full list of events can be viewed on their website or by calling the box office team.
VISUAL was designed by Terry Pawson, a British architect with vast experience in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sector after he won an international architectural competition held by the RIAI. The €18m development is a joint project of Carlow Local Authorities and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism under the Access Programme.
VISUAL also houses a restaurant, Lennons@Visual.
- Cash Returns - Celebrates 20 Years of Walk The Line
AutumnCash Returns - Celebrates 20 Years of Walk The Line The Man in Black is back in a high-octane celebration of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s greatest hits.
- A Winter's Tale
Arts and cultureA Winter's Tale Join us for A Winter's Tale, a heart-warming evening of Christmas music featuring acclaimed Ukrainian baritone Maksym Lozovyi as he brings beloved seasonal favourites to life. Joined by special guests in a moving celebration of the season.
- The Bjorn Identity - Thank ABBA for the Music Tour 2025
The Bjorn Identity - Thank ABBA for the Music Tour 2025 The Bjorn Identity delivers an electrifying, authentic ABBA tribute with stunning vocals, live band, and unforgettable stage presence.
- The NeverEnding Story
Family funThe NeverEnding Story The NeverEnding Story follows a boy who finds a magical book that tells of a young warrior who is given the task of stopping the Nothing, a dark force, from engulfing the wonderland world of Fantasia.
- Phil Coulter - Tranquillity By Candlelight
Phil Coulter - Tranquillity By Candlelight Phil Coulter’s TRANQUILLITY returns after 40 years, enchanting audiences with timeless melodies in a magical candlelit setting.
- Four Mothers
Arts and cultureFour Mothers Gay Irish novelist Edward’s life unravels when friends leave their mothers with him before a chaotic Pride festival.
- enCÓRe at Christmas
Arts and cultureenCÓRe at Christmas enCÓRe, Carlow's leading female vocal group, return to VISUAL for Christmas fun and festive musical treats this December!
- Elf
Family funElf Buddy, a human raised by elves, journeys to New York City to find his biological father and spread Christmas cheer.
Stroll around the 18th century surrounding parklands of Carlow College next door. Pop into the reception on weekdays to view the Carlow Art Collection, housed there permanently.
